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Road crews ready to respond to snow

Snow is falling in parts of Pierce County, and Pierce County road crews are ready to respond.

The region could see 1-3 inches of lowland snow Thursday, Dec. 8, according to the National Weather Service. Rain is expected early Friday morning.

Strong winds of 25-35 miles per hour could occur through 9 p.m. Thursday in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Gusts could reach 55 miles per hour. Isolated pockets of freezing rain around the region are possible. The Cascade Mountains could see 6-12 inches of snow.

Motorists should exercise caution while driving in icy or snowy conditions. Vehicles should be in good working order and be stocked with an emergency kit that includes items like blankets, warm clothes

Pierce County road crews applied anti-ice products to key arterials that connect residential areas to service centers and state highways earlier this week. Crews will work 24-hours a day plowing these primary roads if needed, applying de-icing products, and closing roads as necessary until conditions improve. Motorists should give plow trucks plenty of space, and be aware that they may be traveling at reduced speeds.

“These major roads are our priority during a snow and ice event, along with Pierce Transit and school bus snow routes,” said Bruce Wagner, Pierce County Public Works road operations manager. “If you can get out of your neighborhood and reach a key arterial during a snow or ice event, you will likely find a drivable road.”

The level of service these major roads receive during winter weather is determined by several factors, including weather conditions, the classification of the roadway and available resources.

If power outages occur, residents should contact their local energy utility or visit their website for more information. People should stay away from downed power lines, and report it to their energy utility or call 911. Even downed lines can be energized.